Marconi has signed a deal to build a new fibre optic link for Jordan Telecom, proving that whatever the company's financial difficulties, the Middle East office has not been affected.

Marconi has won a contract to build a strategic synchronous digital hierarchy (SDH) fibre optic link between Amman and Aqaba.

When implemented the fibre optic link will provide greater bandwidth between these two cities and enhance a key international telecommunications traffic route.

“Marconi’s willingness to undertake supply, installation and commissioning of the new SDH equipment within a tight six-month timescale was a key factor in the win, as was the proven performance and reliability of the Marconi systems already installed in the Jordan Telecom network,” said Jean-Louis Vareille, chief technical officer at Jordan Telecom.

The deal with Jordan Telecom, the monopoly telephone line service provider, comes on the back of other recent project successes in the country, such as the recently completed broadband network services expansion.

Jordan’s telecommunications infrastructure is expanding at approximately 20% per annum, as the country starts its rush to be included in the online world.

“With its stable political environment and well-educated workforce, Jordan represents one of the Middle East's most promising regions for growth. An advanced telecommunications infrastructure built around leading edge optical systems like Marconi's SDH portfolio will play a crucial role in driving the business investment needed to capitalise on that potential,” said Rod Smith, Executive Vice-President for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) at Marconi.

The recent successes in Jordan are proof that the local office hasn’t been affected by Marconi’s stock market slump of a month ago.

“Marconi has approximately 650 staff in the Middle East and recruitment continues. Our Middle East operations are not affected by the downturn in market demand in US and Europe,” said Marconi’s local general manager, John Marshall.

“The Middle East market is buoyant, although cash is being spent carefully. Marconi expects to continue to grow in the Middle East, regardless of a slowdown in Europe and the US,” he added.